Indigo Launches New App for iOS and Android

Canadians have long shown their love for Indigo, the company that cleared $1 billion in revenue two years ago. The free app, with passbook support for iOS, allows quicker and easier purchasing at home, in-store, or on the go.

“Our customers have let us know that they want to experience all that Indigo offers through their mobile devices,” said Indigo’s Sumit Oberai. “Our new mobile app will ensure that we’re offering a truly integrated and rich experience across our channels.”

The company is playing up the shop-ability of the app at brick-and-mortar locations. Using the app, users can simply scan the barcode of any book, music or miscellaneous product, and instantly purchase it in-app. The barcode scanning feature also allows for easy access to ratings, reviews, store availabilities, and purchasing.

Mobile users can create and integrate their wish and gift lists, receive targeted offers, marketing communications and personalized recommendations that will help stretch their budget on Indigo’s already affordable and beautifully designed assortments.

Indigo’s Paddy Harrington emphasized that the design helps the company’s customers to focus on what’s important. “It’s about creating the simplest, clearest, mobile experience that adds a bit of joy to their shopping experience through vibrant colour, simple layouts, and clean typography.”

Indigo shoppers big on the plum rewards system will like the app: it gives customers access to their plum loyalty and rewards membership, decision support, personalized recommendations and offers “that understand, anticipate and cater to their shopping needs.” Users can use their plum rewards membership with a digital card to access their rewards account and scan their card at POS via the Passbook app on iPhone and iPod touch.

The company’s first bookstore, initially called “Indigo Books, Music & More”, was opened in Burlington, Ontario on September 4, 1997. In 2001 the company acquired Chapters, their largest competitor.

Indigo is also quite known for the Kobo reader. Kobo Inc. was originally a wholly owned subsidiary of Indigo.before being acquired by Japanese ecommerce company Rakuten Inc. in November 2011.

Joseph Czikk previously has written for the National Post, Montreal Gazette, Vancouver Sun, Regina Leader Post, Techvibes and BC Business Online. Joseph often goes crazy on twitter during NHL and NFL games.